When to Seek Hospice

When It’s Time for Hospice

There may come a time when efforts to cure or slow an illness are not working and can even be harmful, rather than helpful. If that time comes, you should know that there’s a type of palliative care called “hospice” that can help ensure the final months of life are as good and fulfilling as possible.

If your doctor determines you likely have six months or less to live if your illness follows its normal course, look to hospice care. Unfortunately, most people don’t receive hospice care until the final weeks or even days of life, possibly missing out on months of quality time.

How do you know when it’s time for hospice care? When the burdens of a treatment outweigh the benefits. For instance, an aggressive treatment might give you another month of life, but make you feel too ill to enjoy that time. Palliative doctors can help you determine the advantages and disadvantages of specific treatments.

Following are some signs that you may experience better quality of life with hospice care:

You’ve made several trips to the emergency room and your condition has been stabilized, but your illness continues to progress.

You’ve been admitted to the hospital several times within the last year with the same symptoms.